37.7%  (33,428,000ha)of Tanzania land is forested where the forest ownership and management lies on state. Local community  normally find themselves being excluded from earning forest benefits which in most cases drive them to utilize the forest illegally.

With limited manpower and equipments, the government cannot manage to protect all forested areas and hence there is a need for engaging local people in forest conservation.

The government through ministry of Natural resource and tourism agreed to develop ownership power of some forested areas to local community.

In that case for a village to attain ownership, must have  special committee for managing and protecting the forest (Village natural resource committee ).

ECOWICE has supported Mkata village to establish the village Natural Resource Committee (VNRC). This  committee with 12 members will also be trained on forest management practices, sustainable utilization and protection.